S22 has been directly admitted to the business school at all but UMich (postponed).
He grew up dreaming of going to UM (I’m an alum), Ross clearly has the best reputation on this list and he loved campus. On the downside, it’s very expensive and he’s a little down on the fact that he can’t major in his area of interest. It’s also the furthest (and requires a flight) from home. He was somewhat turned off by getting postpoted and doesn’t really want to wait until 4/15 (last Ross decision date) to figure out where he’s going.
IU has a great reputation, is closest to home and he was awarded a scholarship making it the least expensive option. While Kelley is huge (compared to every other school), it was his clear second choice until he got into UW-Madison and started “seeing himself” there. He likes the fact that actuarial science is part of the B-school at UW as that’s an area he’s considering pursuing. It also has better sports than Indiana and he knows fewer people there (which seems to be somewhat appealing to him). And, if he decides business isn’t his “thing”, UW has a better reputation than IU in general.
UIUC (wasn’t impressed with campus) and UF (doesn’t like on-line business classes for the first 2 years) are at the bottom of his list. If either were to come back with significant scholarship, that could change things.
I think you answered your own question. Wisconsin.
I agree that having the actuarial degree in the business school is a good location. Access to business resources and career services is nice.
It’s tough waiting but why not wait for a Michigan decision? He’s waited this long plus it’s not where you start but where you finish that’s important.
It seems Michigan postpones most - they even allude to this on their website. But they also reject kids. I think in the case of Michigan you can’t be insulted by it.
I think you’re ahead of the game - great offers - and he’s already eliminated two - UIUC (another vote for bad campus - people get insulted when I say that) - and UF with online.
So you are left with IU (low cost) and Wisconsin. So - from a value proposition to mom and dad, are you allowing both if IU is that much less and it will be?. Or are you willing to pay?
So neither Ross nor Kelley has the major (that I see) - so why would he want to attend either anyway? If IU is the one (based on cost), wouldn’t he transfer to the Math Dept, which is where it’s housed at Indiana.
I think - find the right school - all will be fine to become an actuary. But chasing the “name” if it doesn’t have the right major would be problematic (i.e. no reason to be in the B school at IU or Michigan.
Thanks for your response. I could/should have been more clear. He’s actually leaning towards majoring in Accounting but is also intrigued by Actuarial Science. So, that’s why Wisconsin isn’t a “no brainer” from that aspect.
As for finances, we (and grandparents) set aside a money for him for college. BUT, if there’s any leftover, it’s his to use to start his life (as it’s in his name). So the financial decision isn’t entirely parental.
If you go to Ross or Wisconsin for accounting, are you going to make more money and have a better life than IU - or even Florida and UIUC for that matter?
I’d argue - likely not. But if you want to go by accounting rank, UIUC is typically considered strongest of the group, then IU/Michigan depending on the rating but it doesn’t really matter, Florida, and then Wisconsin in the rear but still very solid.
So if you’re willing to spend the $$, that’s great. But if you can do something else with the $ - pay for grad school, wedding, car, nice trips, etc. - well that’s a family decision, etc.
And it sounds like he’s open to changing majors - as most kids are btw.
As for knowing people at IU - he’ll never more than occasionally run into someone he knows from HS. There’s over 30K kids there…that’s not an issue although kids make it an issue.
I go for the $$ save personally - because people talk about dropping $50, 60K like it’s nothing and I don’t know what IU is for you, but if IU is - say $20K with scholarship - over four years - that’s a lot of coin - and accountants more than anyone should understand that
But in the end, you’ve earned the money and you get to spend it anyway you want - so i wish you luck. But of your final 3, all seem fine for accounting and actuary.
Hi there. I am in Southern California and I literally got back last night from taking my daughter to Madison. We had a wonderful time and I was very pleased with everything I saw. We took a tour of the business school and it was a very impressive place. Also so much of the campus is either recently renovated or undergoing renovations. I love to see reinvestment in the buildings.
